Ranking The Most Improved Player Candidates By Tiers For The 2024-25 NBA Season

The 2024-25 NBA season is shaping up to be an exciting one, especially when it comes to the race for the Most Improved Player (MIP) award. This season's candidates feature a mix of high-potential names like V ictor Wembanyama and Evan Mobley , alongside rising threats such as Jalen Green and Scottie Barnes . Here are our Most Improved Player candidates ranked into tiers of probability to win the award.

True Candidates

Victor Wembanyama, Evan Mobley, Jonathan Kuminga, Cade Cunningham, Chet Holmgren

Victor Wembanyama’s rookie season was sensational, and he’s poised for a massive sophomore leap. The 7'4" phenom finished his first year averaging 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 3.6 blocks per game, with flashes of offensive dominance. Wembanyama’s unique combination of size, skill, and defensive prowess could lead to a breakout 2024-25 campaign where he becomes one of the league’s top two-way stars. His ability to grow in all facets of his game makes him one of the strongest Most Improved Player (MIP) candidates along with being a contender for DPOY as well.

Evan Mobley has steadily improved each year, and the 2024-25 season could be when he truly breaks out offensively. Already one of the NBA's premier defenders, Mobley’s offensive game (averaging 15.7 points per game last season) has shown promise, and he is poised to take on a bigger scoring role for the Cleveland Cavaliers . With his growing offensive versatility and All-Defensive team potential, Mobley is in the perfect position to emerge as a complete star this season.

Jonathan Kuminga is primed for a breakout season as his role in the Golden State Warriors' rotation expands. Kuminga showed flashes of his potential last season, and his athleticism, two-way play, and improving shooting make him a serious MIP candidate. With more minutes and opportunities, Kuminga could become a significant contributor to the Warriors’ success and take a leap in scoring, playmaking, and defense.

Cade Cunningham missed most of his young career due to injury but remains a top candidate to improve drastically in 2024-25. Fully healthy, Cunningham will lead the Detroit Pistons , and with his versatile skill set (scoring, playmaking, and rebounding), he could see a significant statistical boost. Cunningham’s natural feel for the game and the Pistons’ young roster set him up perfectly to establish himself as one of the best guards in the league.

After missing his rookie season due to injury and following that up with a near All-Star berth, Chet Holmgren is ready to make his mark on the NBA in 2024-25. The versatile big man has the tools to become a two-way force with his shot-blocking and shooting range. His performance in the preseason already showed glimpses of his potential, and if Holmgren can translate that into the regular season, he could be a standout MIP candidate, especially if the Oklahoma City Thunder continue their upward trajectory to title contention.

Big Threats

Scottie Barnes, Jalen Green, Jalen Williams, Jalen Johnson, Cam Thomas

Scottie Barnes took a step back offensively in his sophomore season, but with a redefined role under coach Darko Rajakovic, he could become a breakout star. Barnes has the tools to be a dominant two-way player, and his ability to guard multiple positions, combined with his improving offensive skill set, makes him a prime candidate for a major leap in 2024-25.

Jalen Green is already a proven scorer (averaging 19.6 points per game last season), but his efficiency and decision-making need improvement. With the addition of Fred VanVleet to the Houston Rockets , Green can focus more on refining his offensive game, playing off the ball, and improving his shot selection. A leap in scoring efficiency and playmaking could see him enter the MIP conversation.

Jalen Williams had a stellar campaign with the Oklahoma City Thunder last season, finishing 19.1 points and 4.5 assists per game and finishing fourth in the MIP rankings. In the upcoming season, he is expected to make even more strides. His versatility as a scorer, playmaker, and defender gives him immense potential, and with the Thunder’s rising young core, Williams is in a perfect position to see a significant jump in production.

Jalen Johnson is one of the most intriguing MIP candidates, as he’s set to take on a larger role with the Atlanta Hawks following John Collins' departure. Johnson’s athleticism, rebounding, and ability to run the floor could lead to a breakout season if he capitalizes on his increased playing time. A double-double threat every night, Johnson has the potential to surprise in 2024-25.

Cam Thomas is a pure scorer who has shown his ability to light up the scoreboard in limited minutes. With an expanded role on the Brooklyn Nets , Thomas could have the opportunity to increase his scoring output dramatically. If he can develop more consistency and contribute in other areas like playmaking, Thomas could emerge as a serious threat for MIP honors.

Related: Ranking The MVP Candidates By Tiers For The 2024-25 NBA Season

Dark Horses

Brandin Podziemski, Scoot Henderson, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Dereck Lively II, Josh Giddey

The Golden State Warriors’ rookie, Brandin Podziemski, has shown flashes of being a polished scorer and playmaker in the preseason. With his high basketball IQ and shooting ability, Podziemski could become a key rotation player for the Warriors. If he quickly adjusts to the NBA game, he might surprise many with his production and earn consideration for Most Improved Player.

Scoot Henderson is entering his second season with high expectations, especially with a rather impressive start to his career last season. Henderson’s potential to dramatically improve over the course of the season could put him in the conversation. With his explosive athleticism, playmaking, and leadership ability, Henderson could become one of the top young guards in the league.

Jaime Jaquez Jr. was a polished player coming out of UCLA, and he’s expected to make an immediate impact for the Miami Heat in his second NBA season. Known for his toughness, defense, and scoring ability, Jaquez could see his role increase as the season progresses. If he can provide consistent production and carve out a significant role in the Heat’s rotation, he could emerge as a dark horse candidate for MIP.

Dereck Lively II will be a key part of the Dallas Mavericks’ frontcourt rotation and he proved that in last season's surprising Finals run. Lively’s shot-blocking, rebounding, and ability to run the floor could translate into significant improvements in his second season, especially if he develops as a finisher around the rim.

Josh Giddey has already established himself as one of the most versatile young players in the league but it turned slightly sour with him in Oklahoma City. Now with the rebuilding Chicago Bulls , Giddey has the potential to take his game to the next level, particularly in terms of shooting efficiency and scoring. If he can increase his scoring while maintaining his playmaking and rebounding, Giddey could become a surprise MIP candidate.

Highly Unlikely

LaMelo Ball, Anfernee Simons, Immanuel Quickley, Coby White, Deni Avdija

LaMelo Ball is already an All-Star-caliber player, and while he’s expected to continue improving, the jump required for an MIP award may not be as significant as other candidates. Ball already averaged 23.9 points, 8.0 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game last season. While his continued growth is likely, his established production may hinder his chances for the Most Improved Player award.

Anfernee Simons is a proven scorer for the Portland Trail Blazers , averaging 22.6 points per game last season. While he could increase his production, Simons is already considered one of the best young guards in the league. The leap necessary for a MIP award may not be as significant because it might be hard for Simons to boost his scoring numbers by that much.

Immanuel Quickley already had a breakout season in 2022-23, finishing as the Sixth Man of the Year runner-up. While he could continue to develop, especially if he takes on a larger role with the Toronto Raptors , Quickley’s incremental improvements might not be enough to win the MIP award. His versatility and two-way play are valuable, but his role may limit the dramatic statistical jump needed.

Coby White showed solid improvement last season, finishing second in MIP race to Tyrese Maxey. However, with the Bulls’ crowded backcourt (following Josh Giddey's arrival and Zach LaVine's presence), White may struggle to see the significant increase in minutes and production required to compete for MIP. The fact that the Bulls won't be competitive in the East is another reason White could be ignored.

Deni Avdija has shown flashes of being a versatile defender and playmaker, but his offensive game remains inconsistent. While Avdija could take on a bigger role with the Portland Trail Blazers, his limited scoring ability may prevent him from making the necessary leap to become a serious MIP contender. Avdija’s development will likely be steady, but not enough to win the award.

Related: Ranking The Defensive Player Of The Year Candidates By Tiers For The 2024-25 NBA Season

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